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Avoid Car Steering Repairs in Torrance with Suspension Maintenance

Writer's picture: Jorge MARTINEZJorge MARTINEZ

Updated: Sep 9, 2023


If you're looking for help with your car, you've come to the right place! We've got all the help you need at www.georgesautocareoftorrance.com. Our auto repair experts are here to help you with all your car maintenance and repairs, so you can get the help you need.


Avoid Car Steering Repairs in Torrance with Suspension Maintenance


The song “Shake, rattle, and roll '' was a fun 50’s song, but the literal meaning is not something you want to experience when it comes to your car's handling. Many drivers think that their shocks are the only thing they have to maintain or replace when it comes to their suspension system. Unfortunately, these same car owners face a lot of repairs due to their misinformation. Let’s briefly review a car's suspension system so you can get a better understanding why your car is able to glide over the most outrageous road imperfections. The suspension system is a buffer between the road and your car. The parts that make up the system includes:


  • Springs

  • Shock absorbers

  • Struts

  • Control arms

  • Ball joints

  • Sway bar links and more!


The importance of the suspension system goes beyond ride comfort. When this system malfunctions, your car's steering gets compromised, leading to serious safety risks. An example that happens all the time is worn-out shock absorbers. A car may bounce excessively after hitting a bump when shocks fail (or smash against its own chassis), reducing the wheels' contact with the road and the driver's control.



Table of Contents

1. The Situation

2. George’s Tip Of The Day

3. The Challenge

4. The Process

5. Ask George

6. Key Takeaways


The Situation


Let's start by reviewing the role of your car's suspension system. It allows you to experience a comfortable ride while absorbing shocks, maintaining stability, and offering precise and controlled steering. Unfortunately, the significance of maintaining this system goes overlooked, leading to steering issues and a dominoes effect in repairs. Residents of Torrance know how expensive car repair can be and are all too familiar with how bad some of the roads are in California. Here are some key facts about your car's suspension system to remember:


  • Connects the wheels to the car frame or body.

  • Consists of components like springs, shock absorbers/struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar links, and bushings.

  • Compresses and rebounds to absorb the impact when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces.

  • A malfunctioning suspension system can lead to steering issues, handling problems, and potential safety risks.


To understand suspension maintenance better, review this list of the common suspension system components:


  • Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers control the movement of the springs and maintain contact between the road and your tires. They absorb and distribute energy from bumps and vibrations your car experiences..


  • Struts

Struts are like shock absorbers but are more structurally integrated into the suspension system. They help support your vehicle's weight and add to stability and handling.


  • Control Arms

Control arms connect the suspension components to your car's frame. They aid in controlling the up-and-down movement of the wheels and also provide stability.


  • Ball Joints

Ball joints connect control arms to the steering knuckles which allows your car's front tires to move and rotate smoothly.


  • Sway Bar Links

Sway bar or stabilizer bar links connect the sway bar or anti-roll bar to your suspension parts. They improve stability and body roll during cornering.


  • Bushings

Bushings are small rubber or polyurethane components that cushion and reduce vibrations between metal parts. They are found in control arms, sway bar links, and other suspension componentry.


Bushings for example, connect your vehicle's body to its wheels, absorbing all the road bumps, and allowing your car to remain stable. If you have ever experienced “squirrely steering” after going over a bump, there’s a good chance it’s time to replace some bushings. Here’s a common driving scenario: When you drive over a pothole, the springs in your suspension system compress, absorbing the impact. The shock absorbers or struts then absorb and displace the energy, allowing you to enjoy the ride. Wait, there is more that's happening here! The control arms direct the up-and-down motion of the wheels while the ball joints allow for angular movements. Stay with me now, we are almost done! The sway bar links reduce body roll when making turns, and the bushings cushion the suspension components from excessive vibrations! If that sounds like a lot to remember then maybe adding a scheduled suspension and steering check-up maybe in order.


George’s Tip Of The Day


Today's tip from George revolves around the importance of shock absorber replacement. These babies help to absorb and distribute the energy from bumps and vibrations. If your car bounces like a beach ball after hitting a bump this could be a sign of worn-out shock absorbers! Did you know that bad shocks begin to immediately hurt other parts of your suspension/steering system?



The Challenge



The main challenge related to suspension maintenance is recognizing early signs of suspension problems. Most car owners miss these signs unless their mechanic catches it during an inspection. Here are some hints that you might have suspension problems:


  • Uneven tire wear: A clear sign of possible suspension problems.

  • Check your ball joints if you hear a clunk sound when you turn your steering wheel.

  • Excessive bouncing or vibrations: Could indicate worn-out shock absorbers or struts.

  • Nose-diving or squatting during braking or acceleration: Suggests worn-out suspension components.

  • Drifting or pulling to one side: May indicate alignment or suspension issues.

  • Noises from the suspension: Sounds like clunking, squeaking, or knocking can be signs of worn-out suspension components.


Remember Torrance natives, detecting and repairing these issues will save you from costly car repairs.


The Process



Proper suspension maintenance includes the regular inspection and care of all related components. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to keep your suspension in good working order:


1. Regular Suspension Inspections - find a qualified auto repair shop in Torrance (or anywhere in the South Bay) for annual checks on your suspension system.

2. Monitor Tire Wear - check your tires for uneven wear.

3. Check Wheel Alignment - Misaligned wheels wear out your tires prematurely and affect your ability to steer well.

4. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle - loading your vehicle beyond its capacity strains the suspension components, causing premature wear.

5. Drive Cautiously Over Bumps - you can't avoid every bump in the road, but you can slow down when driving on bad roadways. If you’re one of those drivers that enjoy running over those steel plates that cover road work, know that it wears your car's suspension as well.


Ask George


With years of experience in automobile repair in Torrance, George offers the following advice on how to manage your car's suspension issues:


  • Nose-diving or squatting during braking or acceleration: When your car's front end dives forward or the rear end squats down during braking or acceleration, it can indicate worn-out suspension components.

  • Take advantage when your car is on a mechanics lift. Ask them how your suspension bushings and steering components look for that matter. If they get grumpy, simply remind them you're trying to keep your car in tip top shape!

  • Try to stick with O.E.M parts when you can unless the aftermarket replacement is better than the original.

  • Check for fluid leaks that may be dripping on your suspension and steering components. The fluids are caustic to rubber parts and will wear down over time.


Takeaways



Maintain your car's suspension system and continue to enjoy sporty drives or comfy rides. Here are the main points you should remember:


  • Understand how the suspension system works and its importance in steering control.

  • Be aware of early signs of suspension issues, such as uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing, and car drifting.

  • Do regular suspension inspections, preferably annually.

  • Practice good maintenance habits like monitoring tire wear, checking wheel alignment, and avoid overloading your vehicle.


All Torrance residents and South Bay natives alike are welcome to contact George at www.georgesautocareoftorrance.com for all their car repair needs. At George's Auto Care of Torrance, we want to make sure you always have a safe, comfortable, and worry-free driving experience.


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